The National Migration Service (SENAMI) reported on Wednesday, April 1, that 71,800 travelers have already crossed Mozambican borders as part of “Operation Easter 2026,” of whom just over 50,000 are nationals and 20,000 are foreigners.
“The heaviest traffic was recorded at the Ressano Garcia land border in Maputo Province, where alternative lanes were implemented to reduce wait times and streamline operations,” said Juca Bata, head of SENAMI’s Public Relations Department.
Quoted by the newspaper Notícias, Bata added that the peak in arrivals typically occurs between March 31 and April 2, and that, to meet the growing demand, authorities have extended operating hours for light vehicles.
According to projections provided by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Fredson Bacar, during this Easter season, the government anticipates a significant increase in tourist traffic, estimating the movement of up to 250,000 domestic tourists and the arrival of approximately 55,000 foreign visitors across the country.
With regard to hotel occupancy rates, authorities anticipate average levels between 60% and 75%, with the highest demand in the main coastal destinations, particularly in the provinces of Inhambane, Maputo, and Cabo Delgado, in the southern and northern regions.
Fredson Bacar also noted that expectations point to growth in tourism revenue in the range of 15% to 20%, despite the challenges the sector continues to face. Among these, he highlighted the impacts of the 2024 post-election protests and the effects of natural phenomena, which have constrained recent tourism performance.
Nevertheless, the official highlighted signs of a gradual recovery in domestic demand, noting a trend toward longer average stays. “Whereas tourists previously stayed between one and three days, there are indications that, during this period, they may extend their stay to four or five days, driven by an increase in bookings,” he stated.
The ongoing initiative also includes a stronger focus on digital promotion and revitalizing the main tourist corridors, with the aim of attracting more domestic and regional visitors, thereby consolidating the sector’s recovery trajectory.
